Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum age to volunteer?

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to apply. For the emergency department and some critical care areas, the minimum age is 18 and for our cuddler and baby rocking programs, the minimum age is 21.

Is there a required commitment?

If you are applying to volunteer in a hospital or clinic, we ask that you make a 100-hour commitment. This requires that you volunteer approximately four hours per week for six months.

If you’re only available for the summer, many locations have a summer volunteer program. The requirement for the summer program is that you volunteer at least two half-days or one full eight-hour day each week within a three-month period.

If you’re interested volunteering on a short-term basis, please see our special event volunteer opportunities which can require as little as four hours. If you are over 55, check out Celebrate Seniority, which provides different scheduled volunteer activities.

Is there an application process?

Within a few weeks, you will be contacted by a coordinator to schedule an interview.

If you are given an interview time, please complete all required paperwork included in your confirmation email and bring it to the interview.

If there is no placement at the time of your application, we encourage you to look at our special events page.

What will happen after I apply, before I can start volunteering?

Based on your application, you will receive an email from a volunteer coordinator. The coordinator will arrange an interview, or respond by letting you know there is no availability at that time. At the interview, you will discuss training, placement and next steps with a coordinator.

What do I do if I don’t hear from anyone regarding my application?

If you do not receive an email confirmation of your application, return to your application page and ensure that it was submitted. If you experience some any technical difficulties, please call 253.459.6133 or email vservices@multicare.org.

What opportunities are available to me as a volunteer?

We have many volunteer opportunities available within the MultiCare system. Placement is dependent on many factors, and we will be able to discuss in depth possible placements once your application is received.

How soon can I start?

It can take up to a month to become a new volunteer. This is because we follow a very detailed process to ensure a safe and healthy environment for you, our patients and our visitors. If you need volunteer hours quickly, you can explore other opportunities through our special events found here.

Can I volunteer for community service hours?

Yes, if it is for school or for a service program—we cannot satisfy court-appointed hours. Please note: you must complete at least 100 hours of service per our volunteer requirement before having any school required paperwork signed, even if your requirement is less than 100 hours.

Can we volunteer as a family?

The majority of our volunteer roles do not allow for group volunteers, including families. We may be able to place family members in different units within a given hospital at similar times during the day.

Can I job shadow a health care professional?

As a MultiCare volunteer, you are eligible for a job shadow once certain requirements have been met. Read more about job shadow exploration options here. Please do not use Sign Up Now for job shadows - it is specifically for volunteer applications.